Beamforming Microphone Array with Support for Interior Design Elements

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus ( 210, 230, 240, 250 ) configured to perform beamforming on multiple audio input signals. The apparatus ( 210, 230, 240, 250 ) includes one or more illumination devices ( 222, 232, 242, 252 ) and a beamforming microphone system ( 116 ) integrated with the one or more illumination devices. The beamforming microphone system ( 116 ) includes a first plurality of microphones ( 302, 502 ) configured to resolve first audio input signals within a first frequency range. The beamforming microphone system ( 116 ) also includes at least one microphone ( 504 ) configured to resolve second audio input signals within a second frequency range. A lowest frequency in the first frequency range is greater than a lowest frequency in the second frequency range.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and the benefits of the earlier filedProvisional U.S. 61/771,751, filed 1 Mar. 2013, which is incorporated byreference for all purposes into this specification.

This application claims priority and the benefits of the earlier filedProvisional U.S. 61/828,524, filed 29 May 2013, which is incorporated byreference for all purposes into this specification.

Additionally, this application is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/191,511, filed 27 Feb. 2014, which is incorporated byreference for all purposes into this specification.

Additionally, this application is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/276,438, filed 13 May 2014, which is incorporated byreference for all purposes into this specification.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to beamforming microphone arrays. Morespecifically, this disclosure invention relates to beamformingmicrophone array systems with support for interior design elements.

BACKGROUND ART

A traditional beamforming microphone array is configured for use with aprofessionally installed application, such as video conferencing in aconference room. Such microphone array typically has anelectro-mechanical design that requires the array to be installed orset-up as a separate device with its own mounting system in addition toother elements (for e.g., lighting fixtures, decorative items andmotifs, etc.) in the room. For example, a ceiling-mounted beamformingmicrophone array may be installed as a separate component with asuspended or “drop” ceiling using suspended ceiling tiles in theconference room. In another example, the ceiling-mounted beamformingmicrophone array may be installed in addition to a lighting fixture in aconference room.

Problems with the Prior Art

The traditional approach for installing a ceiling-mounting, awall-mounting, or a standing beamforming microphone array results in thearray being visible to people in the conference room. Once such approachis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,229,134 discussing a beamformingmicrophone array and a camera. However, it is not practical for a videoor teleconference conference room since the color scheme, size, andgeometric shape of the array might not blend well with the décor of theconference room. Also, the cost of installation of the array involves anadditional cost of a ceiling-mount or a wall-mount system for the array.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This disclosure describes a beamforming microphone array with supportfor interior design elements.

One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes an apparatusfor beamforming of audio input signals. The apparatus comprises one ormore illumination devices and a beamforming microphone system integratedwith the one or more illumination devices. The beamforming microphonesystem comprises a plurality of first microphones, at least one secondmicrophone, a noise gating module, and an augmented beamforming module.The plurality of first microphones configured to resolve first audioinput signals within a first frequency range. The at least one secondmicrophone configured to resolve second audio input signals within asecond frequency range, the first frequency range having a lowestfrequency greater than a lowest frequency of the second frequency range.The noise gating module configured to generate a restricted second audioinput signals bound within a frequency range between the lowestfrequency of the first audio input signals and the lowest frequency ofthe second audio input signals, or between the highest frequency of thefirst audio input signals and the highest frequency of the second audioinput signals. The noise gating module couples to the plurality of firstmicrophones and to the second microphones. The augmented beamformingmodule couples to the noise gating module. The augmented beamformingmodule is configured to receive the restricted second audio inputsignals and the first audio input signals; and perform beamforming onthe received first audio input signals, and the restricted second audioinput signals within a bandpass frequency range. The bandpass frequencyrange being a combination of the first frequency range and therestricted second frequency range.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes anapparatus for beamforming of audio input signals. The apparatuscomprises at least one tile capable of being coupled to a wall or aceiling, and a beamforming microphone system integrated with the atleast one tile. The beamforming microphone system comprises a pluralityof first microphones, at least one second microphone, a noise gatingmodule, and an augmented beamforming module. The plurality of firstmicrophones configured to resolve first audio input signals within afirst frequency range. The at least one second microphone configured toresolve second audio input signals within a second frequency range, thefirst frequency range having a lowest frequency greater than a lowestfrequency of the second frequency range. The noise gating moduleconfigured to generate a restricted second audio input signals boundwithin a frequency range between the lowest frequency of the first audioinput signals and the lowest frequency of the second audio inputsignals, or between the highest frequency of the first audio inputsignals and the highest frequency of the second audio input signals. Thenoise gating module couples to the plurality of first microphones and tothe second microphones. The augmented beamforming module couples to thenoise gating module. The augmented beamforming module is configured toreceive the restricted second audio input signals and the first audioinput signals; and perform beamforming on the received first audio inputsignals, and the restricted second audio input signals within a bandpassfrequency range. The bandpass frequency range being a combination of thefirst frequency range and the restricted second frequency range.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includesapparatus for beamforming of audio input signals. The apparatuscomprises a wall including an inner surface and an outer surface. Theapparatus also comprises a beamforming microphone system mounted betweenthe inner surface and the outer surface of the wall. The beamformingmicrophone system comprises a plurality of first microphones, at leastone second microphone, a noise gating module, and an augmentedbeamforming module. The plurality of first microphones configured toresolve first audio input signals within a first frequency range. The atleast one second microphone configured to resolve second audio inputsignals within a second frequency range, the first frequency rangehaving a lowest frequency greater than a lowest frequency of the secondfrequency range. The noise gating module configured to generate arestricted second audio input signals bound within a frequency rangebetween the lowest frequency of the first audio input signals and thelowest frequency of the second audio input signals, or between thehighest frequency of the first audio input signals and the highestfrequency of the second audio input signals. The noise gating modulecouples to the plurality of first microphones and to the secondmicrophones. The augmented beamforming module couples to the noisegating module. The augmented beamforming module is configured to receivethe restricted second audio input signals and the first audio inputsignals; and perform beamforming on the received first audio inputsignals, and the restricted second audio input signals within a bandpassfrequency range. The bandpass frequency range being a combination of thefirst frequency range and the restricted second frequency range.

In one aspect of the above embodiments, the one or more illuminationdevices are either arranged linearly or unidirectional relative to theplurality of first microphones.

In another aspect of the above embodiments, the one or more illuminationdevices include at least one of compact fluorescent tubes, hanginglamps, recessed lamps, and flush-mounted lamps.

In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the one or moreillumination devices are disposed away from the plurality of firstmicrophones.

In still another aspect of the above embodiments, the plurality of firstmicrophones is micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones.

In further aspect of the above embodiments, the at least one tileincludes one or more locking devices for securing the beamformingmicrophone system.

In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the plurality of firstmicrophones are disposed at predetermined locations on the at least onetile.

In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the at least one tileincludes one or more contours, corrugations, or depressions forreceiving the plurality of first microphones.

In still another aspect of the above embodiments, the at least one tileis acoustically neutral.

In further aspect of the above embodiments, the outer surface isacoustically transparent to the audio input signals within the bandpassfrequency range.

In yet another aspect of the above embodiments, the outer surface isacoustically opaque to the audio input signals outside the bandpassfrequency range.

In still another aspect of the above embodiments, the inner surfaceincludes a plurality of panels having a predetermined spacing betweenthem, wherein the predetermined spacing includes at least one ofacoustic damping material and vibration damping material.

Other and further aspects and features of the disclosure will be evidentfrom reading the following detailed description of the embodiments,which are intended to illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To further aid in understanding the disclosure, the attached drawingshelp illustrate specific features of the disclosure and the following isa brief description of the attached drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematics that illustrate environments forimplementing an exemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array,according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A to 2J illustrate usage configurations of the band-limitedbeamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view that illustrates a front side of theexemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view that illustrates a back side of theexemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a schematic view that illustrates a multiple exemplaryband-limited beamforming microphone arrays of FIG. 1A connected to eachother, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view that illustrates arrangement of microphonesin the band-limited beamforming array of FIG. 1A, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view that illustrates a system for implementingthe exemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure describes a Beamforming Microphone Array with Supportfor Interior Design Elements. This disclosure describes numerousspecific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat one may practice the present invention without these specificdetails. Additionally, this disclosure does not describe some well-knownitems in detail in order not to obscure the present invention.

Non-Limiting Definitions

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, definitions of one ormore terms that will be used in the document are provided below. A“beamforming microphone” is used in the present disclosure in thecontext of its broadest definition. The beamforming microphone may referto a microphone configured to resolve audio input signals over a narrowfrequency range received from a particular direction.

A “non-beamforming microphone” is used in the present disclosure in thecontext of its broadest definition. The non-beamforming microphone mayrefer to a microphone configured to resolve audio input signals over abroad frequency range received from multiple directions.

The numerous references in the disclosure to a band-limited beamformingmicrophone array are intended to cover any and/or all devices capable ofperforming respective operations in the applicable context, regardlessof whether or not the same are specifically provided.

Detailed Description of the Invention Follows

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematics that illustrate environments forimplementing an exemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array,according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.Embodiment shown in FIG. 1A illustrates a first environment 100 (fore.g., audio conferencing, video conferencing, etc.) that involvesinteraction between multiple users located within one or moresubstantially enclosed areas, for e.g., a room. The first environment100 may include a first location 102 having a first set of users 104 anda second location 106 having a second set of users 108. The first set ofusers 104 may communicate with the second set of users 108 using a firstcommunication device 110 and a second communication device 112respectively over a network 114. The first communication device 110 andthe second communication device 112 may be implemented as any of avariety of computing devices (for e.g., a server, a desktop PC, anotebook, a workstation, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mainframecomputer, a mobile computing device, an internet appliance, etc.) andcalling devices (for e.g., a telephone, an internet phone, etc.). Thefirst communication device 110 may be compatible with the secondcommunication device 112 to exchange audio, video, or data input signalswith each other or any other compatible devices.

The disclosed embodiments may involve transfer of data, for e.g., audiodata, over the network 114. The network 114 may include, for example,one or more of the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local AreaNetworks (LANs), analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks(e.g., a PSTN, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a cellularnetwork, and Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL)), radio, television, cable,satellite, and/or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carryingdata. Network 114 may include multiple networks or sub-networks, each ofwhich may include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. Thenetwork 114 may include a circuit-switched voice network, apacket-switched data network, or any other network able to carryelectronic communications. For example, the network 114 may includenetworks based on the Internet protocol (IP) or asynchronous transfermode (ATM), and may support voice using, for example, VoIP,Voice-over-ATM, or other comparable protocols used for voice datacommunications. Other embodiments may involve the network 114 includinga cellular telephone network configured to enable exchange of text ormultimedia messages.

The first environment 100 may also include a band-limited beamformingmicrophone array 116 (hereinafter referred to as band-limited array 116)interfacing between the first set of users 104 and the firstcommunication device 110 over the network 114. The band-limited array116 may include multiple microphones for converting ambient sounds (suchas voices or other sounds) from various sound sources (such as the firstset of users 104) at the first location 102 into audio input signals. Inan embodiment, the band-limited array 116 may include a combination ofbeamforming microphones (BFMs) and non-beamforming microphones (NBMs).The BFMs may be configured to capture the audio input signals (BFMsignals) within a first frequency range, and the NBMs (NBM signals) maybe configured to capture the audio input signals within a secondfrequency range.

The band-limited array 116 may transmit the captured audio input signalsto the first communication device 110 for processing and transmittingthe processed, captured audio input signals to the second communicationdevice 112. In one embodiment, the first communication device 110 may beconfigured to perform augmented beamforming within an intended bandpassfrequency window using a combination of BFMs and one or more NBMs. Forthis, the first communication device 110 may be configured to combineband-limited NBM signals to the BFM signals to perform beamformingwithin the bandpass frequency window, discussed later in greater detail,by applying one or more of various beamforming algorithms, such as,delay and sum algorithm, filter sum algorithm, etc. known in the art,related art or developed later. The bandpass frequency window may be acombination of the first frequency range corresponding to the BFMs and aband-limited second frequency range corresponding to the NBMs, discussedbelow.

Unlike conventional beamforming microphone arrays, the band-limitedarray 116 has better directionality and performance due to augmentedbeamforming of the audio input signals within the bandpass frequencywindow. In one embodiment, the first communication device 110 mayconfigure the desired bandpass frequency range to the human hearingfrequency range (i.e., 20 Hz to 20 KHz); however, one of ordinary skillin the art may predefine the bandpass frequency window based on anintended application. In some embodiments, the band-limited array 116 inassociation with the first communication device 110 may be additionallyconfigured with adaptive steering technology known in the art, relatedart, or developed later for better signal gain in a specific directiontowards an intended sound source, for e.g., at least one of the firstset of users 104.

The first communication device 110 may transmit one or more augmentedbeamforming signals within the bandpass frequency window to the secondset of users 108 at the second location 106 via the second communicationdevice 112 over the network 114. In some embodiments, the band-limitedarray 116 may be integrated with the first communication device 110 toform a band-limited communication system. Such system or the firstcommunication device 110, which is configured to perform beamforming,may be implemented in hardware or a suitable combination of hardware andsoftware, and may include one or more software systems operating on adigital signal processing platform. The “hardware” may include acombination of discrete components, an integrated circuit, anapplication-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gatearray, a digital signal processor, or other suitable hardware. The“software” may include one or more objects, agents, threads, lines ofcode, subroutines, separate software applications, two or more lines ofcode or other suitable software structures operating in one or moresoftware applications or on one or more processors.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a second exemplary environment 140 (for e.g.,public surveillance, song recording, etc.) may involve interactionbetween a user and multiple entities located at open surroundings, likea playground. The second environment 140 may include a user 150receiving sounds from various sound sources, such as, a second person152 or a group of persons, a television 154, an animal such as a dog156, transportation vehicles such as a car 158, etc., present in theopen surroundings via an audio reception device 160. The audio receptiondevice 160 may be in communication with, or include, the band-limitedarray 116 configured to perform beamforming on audio input signals basedon the sounds received from various entities behaving as sound sources,such as those mentioned above, within the predefined bandpass frequencywindow. The audio reception device 160 may be a wearable device whichmay include, but are not limited to, a hearing aid, a hand-held baton, abody clothing, eyeglass frames, etc., which may be generating theaugmented beamforming signals within the bandpass frequency window, suchas the human hearing frequency range.

FIGS. 2A to 2J illustrate usage configurations of the band-limitedbeamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The band-limited array 116 may be configured andarranged into various usage configurations, such as ceiling mounting,drop-ceiling mounting, wall mounting, etc. In a first example, as shownin FIG. 2A, the band-limited array 116 may be configured and arranged ina ceiling mounted configuration 200, in which the band-limited array 116may be associated with a spanner post 202 inserted into a ceilingmounting plate 204 configured to be in contact with a ceiling 206. Ingeneral, the band-limited array 116 may be suspended from the ceiling206, such that the audio input signals are received by one or moremicrophones in the band-limited array 116 from above an audio source,such as one of the first set of users 104. The band-limited array 116,the spanner post 202, and the ceiling mounting plate 204 may beappropriately assembled together using various fasteners such as screws,rivets, etc. known in the art, related art, or developed later. Theband-limited array 116 may be associated with additional mounting andinstallation tools and parts including, but not limited to, positionclamps, support rails (for sliding the band-limited array 116 in aparticular axis), array mounting plate, etc. that are well known in theart and may be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art;and hence, these tools and parts are not discussed in detail herein.

In a second example (FIGS. 2B to 2E), the band-limited array 116 may becombined with one or more utility devices such as lighting fixtures 210,230, 240, 250. The band-limited array 116 may include multiplebeamforming microphones 212-1, 212-2, . . . , 212-n (collectively BFMs212) operating in the first frequency range, and non-beamformingmicrophones (not shown) operating in the second frequency range. Any ofthe lighting fixtures 210, 230, 240, 250 may include a panel 214 beingappropriately suspended from the ceiling 206 (or a drop ceiling) usinghanger wires or cables such as 218-1 and 218-2 over the first set ofusers 104 at an appropriate height from the ground. In another approach,the panel 214 may be associated with a spanner post 202 inserted into aceiling mounting plate 204 configured to be in contact with the ceiling206 in a manner as discussed above.

The panel 214 may include at least one surface such as a front surface220 oriented in the direction of an intended entity, for e.g., anobject, a person, etc., or any combination thereof. The front surface220 may be substantially flat, though may include other surfaceconfigurations such contours, corrugations, depressions, extensions, andso on, based on intended applications. Such surface configurations mayprovide visible textures that help mask imperfections in the relativeflatness or color of the panel 214.

The front surface 220 may be configured to aesthetically support,accommodate, embed, or facilitate a variety of permanent or replaceablelighting devices of different shapes and sizes. For example (FIG. 2B),the front surface 220 may be coupled to multiple compact fluorescenttubes (CFTs) 222-1, 222-2, 222-3, and 222-4 (collectively, CFTs 222)disposed transverse to the length of the panel 214. In another example(FIG. 2C), the front surface 220 may include one or more slots or holes(not shown) for receiving one or more hanging lamps 232-1, 232-2, 232-3,232-4, 232-5, and 232-6 (collectively, hanging lamps 232), which mayextend substantially outward from the front surface 220.

In yet another example (FIG. 2D), the front surface 220 may include oneor more recesses (not shown) for receiving one or more lighting elementssuch as a bulbs, LEDs, etc. to form recessed lamps 242-1, 242-2, 242-3,and 242-4 (collectively, recessed lamps 242). The lighting elements areconcealed within the recess such that the outer surface of the recessedlamps 242 and at least a portion of the front surface 220 aresubstantially in the same plane. In a further example (FIG. 2E), thepanel 214 may include a variety of one or more flush mounts (not shown)known in the art, related art, or developed later. The flush mounts mayreceive one or more lighting elements (for e.g., bulbs, LEDs, etc.) orother lighting devices, or any combination thereof to correspondinglyform flush-mounted lamps 252-1, 252-2, 252-3, 252-4 (collectively,flush-mounted lamps 252), which may extend outward from the frontsurface 220.

Each of the lighting devices such as the CFTs 222, hanging lamps 232,the recessed lamps 242, and the flush-mounted lamps 252 may be arrangedin a linear pattern, however, other suitable patterns such as diagonal,random, zigzag, etc. may be implemented based on the intendedapplication. Other examples of lighting devices may include, but notlimited to, chandeliers, spot lights, and lighting chains. The lightingdevices may be based on various lighting technologies such as halogen,LED, laser, etc. known in the art, related art, and developed later.

The lighting fixtures 210, 230, 240, 250 may be combined with theband-limited array 116 in a variety of ways. For example, the panel 214may include a geometrical socket (not shown) having an appropriatedimension to substantially receive the band-limited array 116 configuredas a standalone unit. The band-limited array 116 may be inserted intothe geometrical socket from any side or surface of the panel 214 basedon either the panel design or the geometrical socket design. In oneinstance, the band-limited array 116 may be inserted into thegeometrical socket from an opposing side, i.e., the back side, (notshown) of the panel 214. Once inserted, the band-limited array 116 mayhave at least one surface including the BFMs 212 and the NBMs beingsubstantially coplanar with the front surface 220 of the panel 214. Theband-limited array 116 may be appropriately assembled together with thepanel 214 using various fasteners known in the art, related art, ordeveloped later. In another example, the band-limited array 116 may bemanufactured to be integrated with the lighting fixtures 210, 230, 240,250 and form a single unit. The band-limited array 116 may beappropriately placed with the lighting devices to prevent “shadowing” orocclusion of audio pick-up by the BFMs 212 and the NBMs.

The panel 214 may be made of various materials or combinations ofmaterials known in the art, related art, or developed later that areconfigured to bear the load of the intended number of lighting devicesand the band-limited array 116 connected to the panel 214. The lightingfixtures 210, 230, 240, 250 or the panel 214 may be further configuredwith provisions to guide, support, embed, or connect electrical wiresand cables to one or more power supplies to supply power to the lightingdevices and the band-limited array 116. Such provisions are well knownin the art and may be understood by a person having ordinary skill inthe art; and hence, these provisions are not discussed in detail herein.

In a third example (FIGS. 2F to 2I), the band-limited array 116 withBFMs 212 and the NBMs may be integrated to a ceiling tile for a dropceiling mounting configuration 260. The drop ceiling 262 is a secondaryceiling suspended below the main structural ceiling, such as the ceiling206 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E. The drop ceiling 262 may be createdusing multiple drop ceiling tiles, such as a ceiling tile 264, eacharranged in a pattern based on (1) a grid design created by multiplesupport beams 266-1, 266-2, 266-3, 266-4 (collectively, support beams266) connected together in a predefined manner and (2) the frameconfiguration of the support beams 266. Examples of the frameconfigurations for the support beams 266 may include, but are notlimited to, standard T-shape, stepped T-shape, and reveal T-shape forreceiving the ceiling tiles.

In the illustrated example (FIG. 2F), the grid design may include squaregaps (not shown) between the structured arrangement of multiple supportbeams 266 for receiving and supporting square-shaped ceiling tiles, suchas the tile 264. However, the support beams 266 may be arranged tocreate gaps for receiving the ceiling tiles of various sizes and shapesincluding, but not limited to, rectangle, triangle, rhombus, circular,and random. The ceiling tiles such as the ceiling tile 264 may be madeof a variety of materials or combinations of materials including, butnot limited to, metals, alloys, ceramic, fiberboards, fiberglass,plastics, polyurethane, vinyl, or any suitable acoustically neutralmaterial known in the art, related art, or developed later. Varioustechniques, tools, and parts for installing the drop ceiling are wellknown in the art and may be understood by a person having ordinary skillin the art; and hence, are these techniques, tools, and parts are notdiscussed in detail herein.

The ceiling tile 264 may be combined with the band-limited array 116 ina variety of ways. In one embodiment, the ceiling tile 264 may include ageometrical socket (not shown) having an appropriate dimension tosubstantially receive the band-limited array 116, which may beconfigured as a standalone unit. The band-limited array 116 may beintroduced into the geometrical socket from any side of the ceiling tile264 based on the geometrical socket design. In one instance, theband-limited array 116 may be introduced into the geometrical socketfrom an opposing side, i.e., the back side of the ceiling tile 264. Theceiling tile 264 may include a front side 268 (FIG. 2G) and a reverseside 270 (FIG. 2H). The front side 268 may include the band-limitedarray 116 having BFMs 212 and the NBMs arranged in a linear fashion.

The reverse side 270 of the ceiling tile 264 may be in communicationwith a back side of the band-limited array 116. The reverse side 270 ofthe ceiling tile 264 may include hooks 272-1, 272-2, 272-3, 272-4(collectively, hooks 272) for securing the band-limited array 116 to theceiling tile 264. The hooks 272 may protrude away from an interceptingedge of the back side of the band-limited array 116 to meet the edge ofthe reverse side 270 of the ceiling tile 264, thereby providing a meansfor securing the band-limited array 116 to the ceiling tile 264. In someembodiments, the hooks 272 may be configured to always curve inwardlytowards the front side of the ceiling tile 264, unless moved manually orelectromechanically in the otherwise direction, such that the inwardlycurved hooks limits movement of the band-limited array 116 to within theceiling tile 264. In other embodiments, the hooks 272 may be acombination of multiple locking devices or parts configured to securethe band-limited array 116 to the ceiling tile 264. Additionally, theband-limited array 116 may be appropriately assembled together with theceiling tile 264 using various fasteners known in the art, related art,or developed later.

In some embodiments, the band-limited array 116 may be integrated withthe ceiling tile 264 as a single unit. Such construction of the unit maybe configured to prevent any damage to the ceiling tile 264 due to theload or weight of the band-limited array 116. In some other embodimentsof the ceiling tile 264 may be configured to include, guide, support, orconnect to various components such as electrical wires, switches, and soon. In further embodiments, ceiling tile 264 may be configured toaccommodate multiple band-limited arrays. In further embodiments, theband-limited array 116 may be combined or integrated with any othertiles, such as wall tiles, in a manner discussed above.

The surface of the front side 268 of the ceiling tile 264 may becoplanar with the front surface of the band-limited array 116 havingmultiple BFMs 212 arranged in a linear fashion (as shown in FIG. 2G) ornon-linear fashion (as shown in FIG. 2I) on the ceiling tile 264. Thetemporal delay in receiving audio signals using various non-linearlyarranged BFMs 212 may be used to determine the direction in which acorresponding sound source is located. For example, a shippingbeamformer (not shown) may be configured to include an array of twentyfour BFMs, which may be distributed non-uniformly in a two-dimensionalspace. The twenty four BFMs may be selectively placed at known locationsto design a set of desired audio pick-up patterns. Knowing theconfiguration of the microphones, such as the configuration shown inBFMs 212, may allow for spatial filters being designed to create adesired “direction of look” for multiple audio beams from various soundsources.

Further, the surface of the front side 268 may be modified to includevarious contours, corrugations, depressions, extensions, color schemes,and designs. Such surface configurations of the front side 268 providevisible textures that help mask imperfections in the flatness or colorof the ceiling tile 264.

In some embodiments, the BFMs 212, the NBMs, or both may be embeddedwithin contours or corrugations, depressions of the ceiling tile 264 orthat of the panel 214 to disguise the band-limited array 116 as astandard ceiling tile or a standard panel respectively. In some otherembodiments, the BFMs 212 may be implemented as micro electromechanicalsystems (MEMS) microphones.

In a fourth example (FIG. 2J), the band-limited array 116 may beconfigured and arranged to a wall mounting configuration (verticalconfiguration), in which the band-limited array 116 may be embedded in awall 280. The wall 280 may include an inner surface 282 and an outersurface 284. The inner surface 282 may include a frame 286 to supportvarious devices such as a display device 288, a camera 290, speakers292-1, 292-2 (collectively 292), and the band-limited array 116 beingmounted on the frame 286. The frame 286 may include a predeterminedarrangement of multiple wall panels 294-1, 294-2, . . . , 294-n(collectively, 294). Alternatively, the frame 286 may include a singlewall panel. The wall panels 294 may facilitate such mounting of devicesusing a variety of fasteners such as nails, screws, and rivets, known inthe art, related art, or developed later. The wall panels 294 may bemade of a variety of materials, for e.g., wood, metal, plastic, etc.including other suitable materials known in the art, related art, ordeveloped later.

The multiple wall panels 294 may have a predetermined spacing 296between them based on the intended installation or mounting of thedevices. In some embodiments, the spacing 296 may be filled with variousacoustic or vibration damping materials known in the art, related art,or developed later including mass-loaded vinyl polymers, clear vinylpolymers, K-Foam, and convoluted foam, and other suitable materialsknown in the art, related art, and developed later. These dampingmaterials may be filled in the form of sprays, sheets, dust, shavings,including others known in the art, related art, or developed later. Suchacoustic wall treatment using sound or vibration damping materials mayreduce the amount of reverberation in the room, such as the firstlocation 102 of FIG. 1A, and leads to better-sounding audio transmittedto far-end room occupants. Additionally, these materials may support anacoustic echo canceller to provide a full duplex experience by reducingthe reverberation time for sounds.

In one embodiment, the outer surface 284 may be anacoustically-transparent wall covering which can be made of a variety ofmaterials known in the art, related art, or developed later that areconfigured to provide no or minimal resistance to sound. In oneembodiment, the band-limited array 116 and the speakers 292 may beconcealed by the outer surface 284 such that the BFMs 212 and thespeakers 292 may be in direct communication with the outer surface 284.One advantage of concealing the speakers may be to improve the roomaesthetics.

The materials for the outer surface 284 may be include materials thatare acoustically transparent to the audio frequencies within thepredefined bandpass frequency window, but opaque at other frequenciessuch as visible light frequencies, so that room occupants, such as thefirst set of users 104 of FIG. 1A, may be unable to substantially noticethe devices that may be mounted behind the outer surface 284. In someembodiments, the outer surface 284 may include suitable wall papers,wall tiles, etc. that can be configured to have various contours,corrugations, depressions, extensions, color schemes, etc. to blend withthe décor of the room, such as the first location 102 of FIG. 1A.

The combination of wall panels 294 and the outer surface 284 may provideopportunities for third party manufacturers to develop various interiordesign accessories such as artwork printed on acoustically transparentmaterial with a hidden band-limited array 116. Further, since theband-limited array 116 may be configured for being combined orintegrated with various room elements such as lighting fixtures 210,230, 240, 250, ceiling tiles 264, and wall panels 294, a separate costof installing the band-limited array 116 in addition to the roomelements may be significantly reduced, or completely eliminated.Additionally, the band-limited array 116 may camouflage with the roomdécor, thereby being substantially invisible to the naked eye.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view that illustrates a first side 300 of theexemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A,according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. At thefirst side 300, the band-limited array 116 may include multiple BFMs andNBMs (not shown). The BFMs 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-n (collectively,BFMs 302) may be arranged in a specific pattern that facilitates maximumdirectional coverage of various sound sources in the ambientsurrounding. In an embodiment, the band-limited array 116 may includetwenty four BFMs 302 operating in a frequency range 150 Hz to 16 KHz.Multiple BFMs 302 offer narrow beamwidth of a main lobe on a polar plotin the direction of a particular sound source and improve directionalityor gain in that direction. The spacing between each pair of the BFMs 302may be less than half of the wavelength of sound intended to be receivedfrom a particular direction. Above this spacing, the directionality ofthe BFMs 302 may be reduced and large side lobes begin to appear in theenergy pattern on the polar plot in the direction of the sound source.The side lobes indicate alternative directions from where the BFMs 302may pick-up noise, thereby reducing the directionality of the BFMs 302in the direction of the sound source.

The BFMs 302 may be configured to convert the received sounds into audioinput signals within the operating frequency range of the BFMs 302.Beamforming may be used to point the BFMs 302 towards a particular soundsource for reducing interference and improve quality of the receivedaudio input signals. The band-limited array 116 may optionally include auser interface having various elements (for e.g., joystick, button pad,group of keyboard arrow keys, a digitizer screen, a touchscreen, and/orsimilar or equivalent controls) configured to control the operation ofthe band-limited array 116 based on a user input. In some embodiments,the user interface may include buttons 304-1 and 304-2 (collectively,buttons 304), which upon being activated manually or wirelessly mayadjust the operation of the BFMs 302 and the NBMs. For example, thebuttons 304-1 and 304-2 may be pressed manually to mute the BFMs 302 andthe NBMs, respectively. The elements such as the buttons 304 may berepresented in different shapes or sizes and may be placed at anaccessible place on the band-limited array 116. For example, as shown,the buttons 304 may be circular in shape and positioned at opposite endsof the linear band-limited array 116 on the first side 300.

Some embodiments of the user interface may include different numericindicators, alphanumeric indicators, or non-alphanumeric indicators,such as different colors, different color luminance, different patterns,different textures, different graphical objects, etc. to indicatedifferent aspects of the band-limited array 116. In one embodiment, thebuttons 304-1 and 304-2 may be colored red to indicate that therespective BFMs 302 and the NBMs are mute.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view that illustrates a second side 400 of theexemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A,according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. At thesecond side 400, the band-limited array 116 may include a link-inelectronic bus (E-bus) connection 402, a link-out E-bus connection 404,a USB input support port 406, a power-over-Ethernet (POE) connector 408,retention clips 410-1, 410-2, 410-3, 410-4 (collectively, retentionclips 410), and a device selector 412. In one embodiment, theband-limited array 116 may be connected to the first communicationdevice 110 through a suitable E-bus, such as CAT5-24AWG solid conductorRJ45 cable, via the link-in E-bus connection 402. The link-out E-busconnection 404 may be used to connect the band-limited array 116 usingthe E-bus to another band-limited array. The E-bus may be connected tothe link-out E-bus connection 404 of the band-limited array 116 and thelink-in E-bus connection 402 of that another band-limited array. In asimilar manner, multiple band-limited arrays may be connected togetherusing multiple E-buses for connecting each pair of the band-limitedarrays. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, theband-limited array 116 may be connected to a first auxiliaryband-limited array 414-1 (first auxiliary array 414-1) and a secondauxiliary band-limited array 414-2 (second auxiliary array 414-1) in adaisy chain arrangement. The band-limited array 116 may be connected tothe first auxiliary array 414-1 using a first E-bus 416-1, and the firstauxiliary array 414-1 may be connected to the second auxiliary array414-2 using a second E-bus 416-2. The number of band-limited arraysbeing connected to each other (such as, to perform an intended operationwith desired performance) may depend on processing capability andcompatibility of a communication device, such as the first communicationdevice 110, associated with at least one of the connected band-limitedarrays.

Further, the first communication device 110 may be updated withappropriate firmware to configure the multiple band-limited arraysconnected to each other or each of the band-limited arrays beingseparately connected to the first communication device 110. The USBinput support port 406 may be configured to receive audio input signalsfrom any compatible device using a suitable USB cable.

The band-limited array 116 may be powered through a standard POE switchor through an external POE power supply. An appropriate AC cord may beused to connect the POE power supply to the AC power. The POE cable maybe plugged into the LAN+DC connection on the power supply and connectedto the POE connector 408 on the band-limited array 116. After the POEcables and the E-bus(s) are plugged to the band-limited array 116, theymay be secured under the cable retention clips 410.

The device selector 412 may be configured to introduce a communicatingband-limited array, such as the band-limited array 116, to the firstcommunication device 110. For example, the device selector 412 mayassign a unique identity (ID) to each of the communicating band-limitedarrays, such that the ID may be used by the first communication device110 to interact or control the corresponding band-limited array. Thedevice selector 412 may be modeled in various formats. Examples of theseformats include, but are not limited to, an interactive user interface,a rotary switch, etc. In some embodiments, each assigned ID may berepresented as any of the indicators such as those mentioned above forcommunicating to the first communication device or for displaying at theband-limited arrays. For example, each ID may be represented ashexadecimal numbers ranging from ‘0’ to ‘F’.

FIG. 5 is a schematic that illustrates arrangement of microphones in theband-limited beamforming array of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. The band-limited array 116 may include a numberof microphones including multiple BFMs such as 502-1, 502-2, 502-3,502-4, 502-n (collectively, BFMs 502) and the NBMs 504-1 and 504-2(collectively, NBMs 504). Each of the microphones such as the BFMs 502and the NBMs 504 may be arranged in a predetermined pattern thatfacilitates maximum coverage of various sound sources in the ambientsurrounding. In one embodiment, the BFMs 502 and the NBMs 504 may bearranged in a linear fashion, such that the BFMs 502 have maximumdirectional coverage of the surrounding sound sources. However, one ofordinary skill in the art would understand that the NBMs 504 may bearranged in various alignments with respect to the BFMs 502 based on atleast one of acoustics of the ambient surrounding, such as in a room,and the desired pick-up pattern of the NBMs 504.

Each of the microphones 502, 504 may be arranged to receive sounds fromvarious sound sources located at a far field region and configured toconvert the received sounds into audio input signals. The BFMs 502 maybe configured to resolve the audio input signals within a firstfrequency range based on a predetermined separation between each pair ofthe BFMs 502. On the other hand, the NBMs 508 may be configured toresolve the audio input signals within a second frequency range. Thelowest frequency of the first frequency range may be greater than thelowest frequency of the second frequency range due to unidirectionalnature of the BFMs 502. Both the BFMs 502 and the NBMs 502 may beconfigured to operate within a low frequency range, for example, 1 Hz to30 KHz. In one embodiment, the first frequency range corresponding tothe BFMs 502 may be 150 Hz to 16 KHz, and the second frequency rangecorresponding to the NBMs 504 may be 20 Hz to 25 KHz. However, thepick-up pattern of the BFMs 502 may differ from that of the NBMs 504 dueto their respective unidirectional and omnidirectional behaviors.

The BFMs 502 may be implemented as any one of the analog and digitalmicrophones such as carbon microphones, fiber optic microphones, dynamicmicrophones, electret microphones, etc. In some embodiments, theband-limited array 116 may include at least two BFMs, though the numberof BFMs may be further increased to improve the strength of desiredsignal in the received audio input signals. The NBMs 504 may also beimplemented as a variety of microphones such as those mentioned above.In one embodiment, the NBMs 504 may be cardioid microphones placed atopposite ends of a linear arrangement of the BFMs 506 and may beoriented so that they are pointing outwards. The cardioid microphone hasthe highest sensitivity and directionality in the forward direction,thereby reducing unwanted background noise from being picked-up withinits operating frequency range, for example, the second frequency range.Although the shown embodiment includes two NBMs 504, one with ordinaryskill in the art may understand that the band-limited array 116 may beimplemented using only one non-beamforming microphone.

FIG. 6 is a schematic that illustrates a system 600 for implementing theexemplary band-limited beamforming microphone array of FIG. 1A,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 600includes the band-limited array 116, noise gating modules 602-1, 602-2(collectively, noise gating modules 602), and an augmented beamformingmodule 604. The band-limited array 116 may include multiple BFMs such asthe BFMs 502 and the NBMs 504 arranged in a linear fashion as discussedin the description of FIG. 5. The BFMs 502 and the NBMs 504 may beconfigured to convert the received sounds into audio input signals.

The noise gating modules 602 may be configured to apply attenuation tothe audio input signals from at least one of the NBMs 504, such as theNBM 504-1, whose directionality, i.e., gain, towards a desired soundsource is relatively lesser than that of the other, such as the NBM504-2, within the human hearing frequency range (i.e., 20 Hz to 20 KHz).In an embodiment, the noise gating modules 602 may be configured torestrict the second frequency range corresponding to the non-beamformingmicrophone (having lesser directionality towards a particular soundsource) based on one or more threshold values. Such restricting of thesecond frequency range may facilitate (1) extracting the audio inputsignals within the human hearing frequency range, and (2) controllingthe amount of each of the non-beamforming signal applied to theaugmented beamforming module 504, using any one of various noise gatingtechniques known in the art, related art, or later developed.

Each of the one or more threshold values may be predetermined based onthe intended bandpass frequency window, such as the human hearingfrequency range, to perform beamforming. In one embodiment, at least oneof the predetermined threshold values may be the lowest frequency or thehighest frequency of the first frequency range at which the BFMs 502 areconfigured to operate. In one embodiment, if the threshold value is thelowest frequency (i.e., 20 Hz) of the first frequency range, the noisegating modules 602 may be configured to restrict the second frequencyrange between 20 Hz and 150 Hz. In another embodiment, if the thresholdvalue is the highest frequency (i.e., 16 KHz) of the first frequencyrange, the noise gating modules 602 may be configured to limit thesecond frequency range between 16 KHz and 25 KHz.

In another embodiment, the noise gating modules 602 may be configured torestrict the second frequency range based on a first threshold value anda second threshold value. For example, if the first threshold value isthe highest frequency (i.e., 16 KHz) of the first frequency range andthe second threshold value is the highest frequency (i.e., 20 KHz) ofthe human hearing frequency range, the noise gating modules 602 mayrestrict the second frequency range between 16 KHz to 20 KHz.Accordingly, the noise gating modules 602 may output the audio inputsignals within the restricted second frequency range (hereinafterreferred to as restricted audio input signals).

In some embodiments, each of the NBMs 504 may be applied with the sameor different (1) threshold values, and (2) number of threshold values.The noise gating modules 602 may facilitate: (1) reducing undesiredaudio artifacts such as excessive noise and reverberations, and (2)reshaping the audio input signals for intended applications.

The augmented beamforming module 604 may be configured to performbeamforming on the received audio input signals within a predeterminedbandpass frequency range or window. In an embodiment, the augmentedbeamforming module 604 may be configured to perform beamforming on thereceived audio input signals from the BFMs 502 within the human hearingfrequency range using the restricted audio input signals from the noisegating modules 602.

The audio input signals from the BFMs 502 and the NBMs 504 may reach theaugmented beamforming module 604 at a different temporal instance as theNBMs 504 as they only provide low frequency coverage. As a result, theaudio input signals from the NBMs 504 may be out-of phase with respectto the audio input signals from BFMs 502. The augmented beamformingmodule 604 may be configured to control amplitude and phase of thereceived audio input signals within an augmented frequency range toperform beamforming. The augmented frequency range refers to thebandpass frequency range that is a combination of the operating firstfrequency range of the BFMs 502 and the restricted second frequencyrange generated by the noise gating modules 602.

The augmented beamforming module 604 may adjust side lobe audio levelsand steering of the BFMs 502 by assigning complex weights or constantsto the audio input signals within the augmented frequency range receivedfrom each of the BFMs 502. The complex constants may shift the phase andset the amplitude of the audio input signals within the augmentedfrequency range to perform beamforming using various beamformingtechniques such as those mentioned above. Accordingly, the augmentedbeamforming module 604 may generate an augmented beamforming signalwithin the bandpass frequency range. In some embodiments, the augmentedbeamforming module 604 may generate multiple augmented beamformingsignals based on combination of the restricted audio input signals andthe audio input signals from various permutations of the BFMs 502.

The noise gating modules 602 and the augmented beamforming module 604,in one embodiment, are hardware devices with at least one processorexecuting machine readable program instructions for performingrespective functions. Such a system may include, in whole or in part, asoftware application working alone or in conjunction with one or morehardware resources. Such software applications may be executed by theprocessors on different hardware platforms or emulated in a virtualenvironment. Aspects of the noise gating modules 602 and the augmentedbeamforming module 604 may leverage off-the-shelf software available inthe art, related art, or developed later. The processor may include, forexample, microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digitalsignal processors, central processing units, state machines, logiccircuits, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based onoperational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor may beconfigured to fetch and execute computer readable instructions in thememory.

This present disclosure enables the full range of human hearing to becaptured and transmitted by the combined set of BFMs 502 and NBMs 504while minimizing the physical size of the band-limited array 116, andsimultaneously allowing the cost to be reduced as compared to existingbeamforming array designs and approaches that perform beamformingthroughout the entire frequency range of human hearing.

To summarize, this disclosure describes augmentation of a beamformingmicrophone array with non-beamforming microphones. One exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure includes an apparatus forbeamforming of audio input signals. The apparatus comprises one or moreillumination devices and a beamforming microphone system integrated withthe one or more illumination devices. The beamforming microphone systemcomprises a plurality of first microphones, at least one secondmicrophone, a noise gating module, and an augmented beamforming module.The plurality of first microphones configured to resolve first audioinput signals within a first frequency range. The at least one secondmicrophone configured to resolve second audio input signals within asecond frequency range, the first frequency range having a lowestfrequency greater than a lowest frequency of the second frequency range.The noise gating module configured to generate a restricted second audioinput signals bound within a frequency range between the lowestfrequency of the first audio input signals and the lowest frequency ofthe second audio input signals, or between the highest frequency of thefirst audio input signals and the highest frequency of the second audioinput signals. The noise gating module couples to the plurality of firstmicrophones and to the second microphones. The augmented beamformingmodule couples to the noise gating module. The augmented beamformingmodule is configured to receive the restricted second audio inputsignals and the first audio input signals; and perform beamforming onthe received first audio input signals, and the restricted second audioinput signals within a bandpass frequency range. The bandpass frequencyrange being a combination of the first frequency range and therestricted second frequency range.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes anapparatus for beamforming of audio input signals. The apparatuscomprises at least one tile capable of being coupled to a wall or aceiling, and a beamforming microphone system integrated with the atleast one tile. The beamforming microphone system comprises a pluralityof first microphones, at least one second microphone, a noise gatingmodule, and an augmented beamforming module. The plurality of firstmicrophones configured to resolve first audio input signals within afirst frequency range. The at least one second microphone configured toresolve second audio input signals within a second frequency range, thefirst frequency range having a lowest frequency greater than a lowestfrequency of the second frequency range. The noise gating moduleconfigured to generate a restricted second audio input signals boundwithin a frequency range between the lowest frequency of the first audioinput signals and the lowest frequency of the second audio inputsignals, or between the highest frequency of the first audio inputsignals and the highest frequency of the second audio input signals. Thenoise gating module couples to the plurality of first microphones and tothe second microphones. The augmented beamforming module couples to thenoise gating module. The augmented beamforming module is configured toreceive the restricted second audio input signals and the first audioinput signals; and perform beamforming on the received first audio inputsignals, and the restricted second audio input signals within a bandpassfrequency range. The bandpass frequency range being a combination of thefirst frequency range and the restricted second frequency range.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includesapparatus for beamforming of audio input signals. The apparatuscomprises a wall including an inner surface and an outer surface. Theapparatus also comprises a beamforming microphone system mounted betweenthe inner surface and the outer surface of the wall. The beamformingmicrophone system comprises a plurality of first microphones, at leastone second microphone, a noise gating module, and an augmentedbeamforming module. The plurality of first microphones configured toresolve first audio input signals within a first frequency range. The atleast one second microphone configured to resolve second audio inputsignals within a second frequency range, the first frequency rangehaving a lowest frequency greater than a lowest frequency of the secondfrequency range. The noise gating module configured to generate arestricted second audio input signals bound within a frequency rangebetween the lowest frequency of the first audio input signals and thelowest frequency of the second audio input signals, or between thehighest frequency of the first audio input signals and the highestfrequency of the second audio input signals. The noise gating modulecouples to the plurality of first microphones and to the secondmicrophones. The augmented beamforming module couples to the noisegating module. The augmented beamforming module is configured to receivethe restricted second audio input signals and the first audio inputsignals; and perform beamforming on the received first audio inputsignals, and the restricted second audio input signals within a bandpassfrequency range. The bandpass frequency range being a combination of thefirst frequency range and the restricted second frequency range.

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art after considering this disclosure orpracticing the disclosed invention. The specification and examples aboveare exemplary only, with the true scope of the present invention beingdetermined by the following claims.

We claim the following invention:
 1. An apparatus for beamforming ofaudio input signals, comprising: one or more illumination devices; and abeamforming microphone system integrated with the one or moreillumination devices, wherein the beamforming microphone systemcomprises: a plurality of first microphones resolving first audio inputsignals within a first frequency range; at least one second microphoneresolving second audio input signals within a second frequency range,the first frequency range having a lowest frequency greater than alowest frequency of the second frequency range; a noise gating modulegenerating a restricted second audio input signals bound within afrequency range between the lowest frequency of the first audio inputsignals and the lowest frequency of the second audio input signals, orbetween a highest frequency of the first audio input signals and ahighest frequency of the second audio input signals, the noise gatingmodule being coupled to the plurality of first microphones and to the atleast one second microphone; and an augmented beamforming module coupledto the noise gating module, wherein the augmented beamforming module isconfigured to: receive the restricted second audio input signals and thefirst audio input signals; and perform beamforming on the received firstaudio input signal and the restricted second audio input signals withina bandpass frequency range, the bandpass frequency range being acombination of the first frequency range and a restricted secondfrequency range.
 2. The claim according to claim 1, wherein the one ormore illumination devices are either arranged linearly or unidirectionalrelative to the plurality of first microphones.
 3. The claim accordingto claim 1, wherein the one or more illumination devices include atleast one of compact fluorescent tubes, hanging lamps, recessed lamps,and flush-mounted lamps.
 4. The claim according to claim 1, wherein theone or more illumination devices are disposed away from the plurality offirst microphones.
 5. The claim according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of first microphones is micro electromechanical systems (MEMS)microphones.
 6. A method to manufacture an apparatus for beamforming ofaudio input signals, comprising: providing one or more illuminationdevices; and integrating a beamforming microphone system with the one ormore illumination devices, wherein the beamforming microphone systemcomprises: a plurality of first microphones resolving first audio inputsignals within a first frequency range; at least one second microphoneresolving second audio input signals within a second frequency range,the first frequency range having a lowest frequency greater than alowest frequency of the second frequency range; a noise gating modulegenerating a restricted second audio input signals bound within afrequency range between the lowest frequency of the first audio inputsignals and the lowest frequency of the second audio input signals, orbetween a highest frequency of the first audio input signals and ahighest frequency of the second audio input signals, the noise gatingmodule being coupled to the plurality of first microphones and to the atleast one second microphone; and an augmented beamforming module coupledto the noise gating module, wherein the augmented beamforming module isconfigured to: receive the restricted second audio input signals and thefirst audio input signals; and perform beamforming on the received firstaudio input signal and the restricted second audio input signals withina bandpass frequency range, the bandpass frequency range being acombination of the first frequency range and a restricted secondfrequency range.
 7. The claim according to claim 6, wherein the one ormore illumination devices are either arranged linearly or unidirectionalrelative to the plurality of first microphones.
 8. The claim accordingto claim 6, wherein the one or more illumination devices include atleast one of compact fluorescent tubes, hanging lamps, recessed lamps,and flush-mounted lamps.
 9. The claim according to claim 6, wherein theone or more illumination devices are disposed away from the plurality offirst microphones.
 10. The claim according to claim 6, wherein theplurality of first microphones is micro electromechanical systems (MEMS)microphones.
 11. A method to use an apparatus for beamforming of audioinput signals, comprising: using one or more illumination devices thatis integrated with a beamforming microphone system, wherein thebeamforming microphone system comprises: a plurality of firstmicrophones resolving first audio input signals within a first frequencyrange; at least one second microphone resolving second audio inputsignals within a second frequency range, the first frequency rangehaving a lowest frequency greater than a lowest frequency of the secondfrequency range; a noise gating module generating a restricted secondaudio input signals bound within a frequency range between the lowestfrequency of the first audio input signals and the lowest frequency ofthe second audio input signals, or between a highest frequency of thefirst audio input signals and a highest frequency of the second audioinput signals, the noise gating module being coupled to the plurality offirst microphones and to the at least one second microphone; and anaugmented beamforming module coupled to the noise gating module, whereinthe augmented beamforming module is configured to: receive therestricted second audio input signals and the first audio input signals;and perform beamforming on the received first audio input signal and therestricted second audio input signals within a bandpass frequency range,the bandpass frequency range being a combination of the first frequencyrange and a restricted second frequency range.
 12. The claim accordingto claim 11, wherein the one or more illumination devices are eitherarranged linearly or unidirectional relative to the plurality of firstmicrophones.
 13. The claim according to claim 11, wherein the one ormore illumination devices include at least one of compact fluorescenttubes, hanging lamps, recessed lamps, and flush-mounted lamps.
 14. Theclaim according to claim 11, wherein the one or more illuminationdevices are disposed away from the plurality of first microphones. 15.The claim according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of firstmicrophones is micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) microphones.